A new acquaintance gave me an idea to blog about: massage places in Davao. While we were engaged in conversation, Austin asked me about the best place in Davao to get a massage. I realized just then that there are actually quite a few now here. A colleague in the IT industry even opened a shop at the Matina Town Square.

You can differentiate massage services in Davao into roughly 3 categories: spas, or full-fledged services that offer more than just massages; massage clinics, where people go for no-fuss, no-frills body kneading; and home service. (Never mind the extra-service type — I have a GP rating here… well, sometimes R18, but not today )

I’m going to have to do a serious survey of Davao’s massage offerings (yes! this is what I love about writing!). But for now, here’s a quickie of some of those that I’ve already tried.

Spas

Holiday Spa. They offer Swedish massages, in separate common areas for men & women. There are saunas and baths, the works. Holiday also has a gym, boxing ring, wide range of aerobics training programs, a swimming pool, and an indoor jogging track. Also a salon and a coffee shop (free wifi!).

I’ve tried Holiday Spa twice only. It’s about P450 for the massage and you get to use the facilities like the sauna for free. At both times, there was nothing to complain about, really. Austin, however, probably had an unlucky time when he tried the place. He also didn’t like the fact that everybody’s in one huge common room. So for those of you who’re queasy about getting down to your birthday suits in front of other people, this place might not be for you.

Bahía Spa. Even pricier than Holiday, and with just a few added perks too. The service isn’t bad, though, and the place is comfortable enough. The one time that I was there, it was P500+ for a massage (Swedish) and use of the sauna and shower. They have both wet and dry saunas, but the showers were reminiscent of my college varsity days. Bahía is inside the Metro Lifestyle gym building on F. Torres St.

While in Holiday Spa they only have masseuses, at Bahía they have both masseuses and masseurs. The massage rooms are also common, divided by decorative hangings. There are private rooms for the more expensive kinds of massage — something to do with hydro-therapy.

Philosophy Spa. Even more expensive than the preceding two, but I hear the service is good. I haven’t tried this place yet, but I do have a mind to. Philosophy Spa, it would seem, is trying to maintain an ultra-exclusive ambience, hence the price tag probably (P700+ if I’m not mistaken). According to a friend, the place is small — or rather, cozy. Or intimate, as the case may be.

Philosophy is in the Florentine building, on Bonifacio St., behind the Apo View Hotel.

Massage Clinics

Firm Massage. The name’s rather unimaginative, I know, but this is actually one of my favorites. From the outside it looks like a hole-in-the-wall joint, but the interiors are clean and presentable. Simple but functional. It’s just an old apartment building whose couple of units the proprietor transformed into a clinic for those aching bodies. They specialize in combo methods: Swedish mixed in with Thai. They also do shiatsu, but mostly for foot rubs. Masseurs and masseuses. The place is on Veloso Road, behind Victoria Plaza; landline # 227-9314.

Tan-Ton. Thai-style massage with all that stretching, pulling, bending and cracking. Personally I don’t like it, but apparently lots of other people do. They have branches all over now (3, I think), the main being at that arcade across the street from The Venue. Another one is at the Centerpoint Mall in Matina.

For the life of me, I can’t recall the name of the shop that my colleague put up. Anyway it’s in Matina Town Square, right in front of the convenience store. It’s a different kind of Thai massage, specializing in foot-&-leg combinations, and you get them while you’re enthroned in a lazyboy. It’s just a petite affair, but very comfy. They also serve Thai teas and other ready-to-prepare refreshments.

Home Service

Everywhere in Davao you see small signs posted on telephone poles, advertising for massages. On newspapers as well. Price range is from P150 to P300 per hour. Some of them are OK, probably a third of them are shady, but most of them are more or less genuine masseurs/masseuses trying to make a decent living. But I’m not vouching for their skills, legit or otherwise.

There are plenty more out there. It just takes a bit of looking around or asking a friend for recommendations.

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133 Responses to “Massage, anyone?”

i’m addicted to massages,Tanton’s my fave.i used to visit it weekly but now i limited it to every other week.
I also like Chic and Dandy Spa located at Jose Abad St. coz Sauna comes for free w/ the massages(you can pay as low as P150,an hour massage,shower,oil & sauna).
Also K1 spa coz you can have videoke afterwards but of course it’s not included in the massage fee hehehe

Good afternoon. I am a woman looking for a strictly professional therapist available for home service and providing either Deep tissue (sports massage), Swedish or Shiatsu massage therapy. A portable massage table would be a definite asset.
Thank you in advance for any referral you may be able to provide.

I’ve tried most of the spa’s / massage places mentioned here but my best pick is definitely Philosophy Spa. Hands down, the steep 700+ is really worth it. Look for Elisa. She does wonders for the angst-ridden, tight-muscled workaholics like you and me Blogs :)

Hi, I was wondering how you’d rate the Ylang Ylang Spa of Pearl Farm? Am going to be in Davao with a friend and we’re thinking of going to Pearl Farm for a day – they have a day tour promo with 1hr massage included. Would that be worth it? I mean, if its not all that good, then maybe better for us to try the other spas within the city? Any ideas?

hello trina!
hey if your aim is to relax and unwind, i think pearl farm will be great for you. thing is, i haven’t tried their spa services yet… but if what you want is to get a good massage with all the attendant services, yeah go ahead and use one of the spas within the city — but you won’t get the infinity pool or the sea breeze or the island ambience. :)

The Ylang-Ylang Spa at the Pearl Farm Resort was awesome! We had just the one-hour massage, which was included in the day tour package, but it was truly refreshing and much appreciated.

It’s a small place, the one that we went to, conveniently tucked behind the infinity pool area. (I think the other – bigger – one was in another area?) Anyway, there was a small house-like gate and a small wooden signage that says “Ylang Ylang Spa”, so we knew we weren’t lost… Hehehehe…. The “pathway” was made of wooden planks, sorta like a brige-effect. Below it, was like a small pond, then you’ll also actually hear running water and some birds chirping! Lots of plants, flowers to decorate the area. There were 2 beds only, a shower/dressing area and a couch for hanging-out. The massage was good, ideal for ending the day-tour :) Plus we had free mango shake after!

Definitely a must-try if you’re already at the resort! :)

(* Yes, a very delayed post… Sorry! But sure hope this still helps your other readers )

Blogs, let me bring you to Bioessence. The body scrub is just one of their services but it’s pretty impressive. I’ve been a Bioessence endorser since it started not only because the owner is my friend, but because I created its logo in the 90s, hehe. But their service is impressive. and more importantly, it is run by a Dabawenya who brought it to national status with so many branches in Luzon, and has represented the Philippines in Paris as one of the leading spa and skin care establishments in the country.

I have my regular body scrub monthly there. They will soon open their Thai massage facilities on the 2nd level. Their endorsers in Manila are Paolo Ravales, Piolo, Jean Garcia, Dina Bonnevie, etc. The particular favorites are CM (Cellulite Massage), diamond peel and miracle lift for the face using Japanese technology and products.

The body scrub is very good, because the room is spacious and private. I used to fall asleep agad. My therapist would wake me up and I would just reach for the hand shower and rinse and shampoo right there on the bed! will probably post nalang the pics sa blog ko. oh, dear, no not my shower, i meant the interiors of the place! (grin)

I love going to skin clinics. I am always looking forward to my monthly visits to ORODERM but I would like to inform everybody that ORODERM Clinic of Victoria Plaza is the worst clinic of Oroderm in the Philippines. My visit there was horrible. One of the staff have a very bad breath and they did not inform me of the procedure but asked me a payment of P4,000.00. Imagine that!!!!

Tried By the Road Spa along Bajada infront of Davao Light Plant last nite. Nice place,the owner very friendly and shes offerng 20-50% discount of all their services. Tea and coffee will be offered free while you are waiting. Footspa services are OK. Please check By the Road Spa next time…

My friend took me to try Thai massage at Bioessence.i like the place and its service,i like the room with just a scented candle and soothing music.and of course the steam bath before the massage.i really enjoyed so much and i would go back again in my next visit to davao.
Mercedes Barner
Melbourne,Australia

Ill travel almost all cities in asia n I discover that one of d best masseur is here in davao,and Imagine he heal and relax me,thank u very much MARK SALINAS of MASSEUSE AND MASSEUR you can call him 24\7 #09205962271

I agree with jono Im a lady but he know how to handle me, hindi sya bastos even minasahe nya ko ng hubad but sometime may nagyari samin napaka wildly gentleman nya hihihihi!KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!! MARK

I have searched on http://www.holidayspa.net in Davao City, as stated above in the blog but it’s not existing. Please review the correct website of Holiday Spa, as I am interested to go that place someday. Thanks.

talking about sensual massage, u gotta try healing garden spa (250 whole body massage), thats in claveria near LBC fronting a convinnience store and look for noli, hes nice and really gives a good massage.. one thing tho, let him finish first his massage, then ask him for extra. Extra kinnda cost 200 to 300 but dont go beyond that. You can even play with his thing… heheh. But you have to ask him nicely. Hes buff thats why be very careful baka majombag pag nabastos cya….

HI guys. If you want massage home service, give this guy a text or a call. He is a licensed nurse but he has a passion for massaging. sideline niya. He has strokes that you will not find in any massage parlors/spas.He’s from Cordillera so he has some traditional cordillera strokes. He is a licensed masseur. He already has a number of clients in Tagum City. He’s usually here in Davao every weekend. And the good thing is, affordable ang rate. For 1 and a half hour combination massage, he charges P250 only.

I provide home service massage within Davao City. Service include steambath. I have a portable steam equipment. Only legitimate massage of course, no hanky panky. Steam bath first then the whole body massage. The duration is 1hr and 1/2 and the rate is only P500. Can give discounts to 3 persons and up.

im a therapist. naga massage ako pred\cision spa dati tapat ng philosopyh and calm,ante spa jan sa ponce st.s near ateneo davao.now im on a home service or hotel service with swedish shiatsu combo, 200 only for 1 hour. please call me thru 09228312701. now im here in toril , still on a home service massage.
im a tesda graduate, pangkabuhayan ,and SRL massage agency for dubai credited.but i finished a.b polsci in cebu city
i’m expecting your call………and i’ll make your home the best for spa for relaxation……….. marchan

Oh, I love massage…. and foot massage is the best. I had tried everywhere but sabai sabai arom has the best 30 minute fullfilling foot massage! My friend owns the palce but there is no bias about my comment.

Hi Patrick. Sabai Sabai Arom is at the Matina Town Square, in front of the convenience store. In case you don’t know where MTS is, it’s in Matina, across the highway from the Ateneo de Davao Grade School campus.

its really good to undergo massage if you’re tired. it wud make you relax..but it woud be much better if they could offer an “extra service” after relaxing…get it? could you suggest any? of course, those who are good looking….thanks..

I saw this ad in a newspaper. Ive tried thier massage it was VERY GOOD esp thier masseur! but not considering thier masseur, was really suprised with thier massage. They charge for as low as P350 taxi fare is inclusive. Contact this no: 09202823358

Hi. to those who have been texting me about my massage service, I’d like to apologize coz i wasnt able to attend to you. I got busy with my training at Davao Regional Hospital as OR nurse.Even on weekends, I have to stay in Tagum in preparation for my Masters degree every Sunday.

I just need to finish my training and for sure, I will accommodate you all.

Btw, those who are asking if I render extra service, I dont. Im sorry. I do my job professionally and I intend to keep it that way.I hope you understand.

I have had a massage at many different places, and I would have to say that it is not the place that matters but the therspist you get. You might find a good therapist in a crappy place or a not so good therapist in a fancy place. Whenever I went for a massage I would try a different therapist each time. I went though about 25 different therapists before finding one who’s performance far exceeded the rest (no extra service). So if your last massage experience was not as you as you had hoped, no need to find a new location just yet….first try another therapist….

Just a piece of advice. Never take the Maligaya Taxi. We've had several bad experiences with their sevice during our visit in Davao CIty. Aside from rude taxi drivers, we've also experienced rude and inefficient phone operators. They have the poorest amongst the services we've encountered when it comes to taxi services. I once rode in a their taxi when I was still in SM Davao heading to NCCC Mall and the phone operator suddenly gave them a heads up on the radio that they need a taxi in GSIS. The driver took it and lied to the operator saying that he is in Mercury street. As far as I know, SM Davao is not in Mercury St. I checked the address in my receipt and it says Quimpo Blvd and I didn't see any Mercury St written in there. I don't know where the hell is Mercury St but it's probably near GSIS coz the driver wanted to take the next passenger. I have also spoken to telephone operators who does not listen carefully to your instructions, are rude in responding to your concerns and above all, are not claiming their mistakes whenever they fail to send you the taxi you've been waiting for. So if you don't wanna be late to your appointments, Never take the Mailgaya Taxi. Such a bad experience. Aside from that, most of their taxis smell like somebody just smoked and they even had poor air conditioners.

bloggie,
hi,Im jono can you help me to find the phone# of Mr. Mark Salinas my masseur here in dvo
I lost my phone in the MRT on manila together with his number, I blog it to you earlies of 2007 or 2008
I really need his amazing,relaxing n healing massage, your reply is really & heartly appreciated……..
MORE POWER!!!

hi Jono – i texted Mark S using the cel of the massage clinic but they replied that he already left February 2010 and that they do not know how to contact him. Were you able to contact him ? If so – pls do pm me at josephteodoro@yahoo.com. thanks!

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Do you know of anyone who does "hilot" , more like therapeutic massage minus the smell of efficascent or omega pain killer liniment? I could also do home service but would like the authentic traditional hilot without the spa effect.
thanks.

i have tried the services of MASAHELOT. it was a very nice experience. the the therapist really knows therapeutic massage. i had been suffering from stiff neck and have tried several massage therapist but it only after MASAHELOT THERAPIST healed me. since then, i am a regular customer already. you may also want to try here is the number : 09302403151.

one of the first things i did when i got to davao is to look for good massage – pure massage no extras. i have read several reviews of different massage parlors in davao before i came. i went first to bodybliss near marco and near my apartment. i never went back. next i tried asian massage in front of g-mall and i have returned thrice since then. i guess other massage parlors may have to wait before i can write something about them. i go for hard massage and asian massage have satisfied me so far…just sharing…

if you want a therapeutic massage with massage bed and nuga bed. accupressure and accupuncture.
Try alternative medicine clinic. infront of DSC/Dona Segunda Complex, Ponciano Reyes St. just near the KTMES school…

Tried this guy. He's very good in massage. You can try his services (but he's into wholesome massages only).. BUt it's worth you penny. You can reach him thru this number 09322127613. his name is Hector

There`s a new place in Ma-a road, Davao city, Intensity 101 Massage Centre, it is located near Sunny point and Chooks to Go, they offer swedish , shiatsu combi and thai massage. So far ive tried different massage centers and usually they can`t seem to meet my expectations, there are some good but not all the time,until i tried Intensity101, I had truly relaxing massage , staff and therapist are friendly. Since then I dont go anyplace else.Thanks Intensity101 and More Power. n nIf anyone out there wants to try the wonderful massage you can call their number for reservation 082-3026124,

HI i visit davao last week before i back here in hong kong and i meet a good and exellent masseur he relax me so much when i was in mandaya hotel together w/ my dad…. and my god hes really cute….
here hes #09305922256 i wish to have massage alone w/ him when i come back there in davao